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During the meeting we provided links to information discussed and we wanted to send a follow up message highlighting the information links.
Minnesota Trade Office
About the Minnesota Trade Office
The Minnesota Trade Office provides export assistance to Minnesota's manufacturers and service providers. Programs and services focus primarily on assisting small and medium-sized companies.
Export assistance for agriculture and food producers is provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Marketing Services Division.
The MTO also serves as Minnesota's Office of Protocol, ensuring that the state's interactions with foreign delegations and dignitaries are conducted with appropriate diplomatic etiquette and cultural practices. We are also the state's liaison to the local diplomatic community - the Minnesota Consular Corps.
Visit our offices or reach our staff by phone or email.
The partner agencies and organizations we work with.
Minnesota's sister relationships with other states and cities around the world help create and reinforce cultural ties, build important educational and political bridges, and pave the way for mutually beneficial business investment.
Visit the Sister Cities International Membership Directory to view the current relationships.
Trade Assistance Helpline
For general trade assistance the helpline at 651-259-7498 to reach a regional trade manager who can either answer your questions or make appropriate referrals. Email us and someone will follow up with you quickly.
The STEP program provides financial and technical assistance to qualifying Minnesota small businesses with an active interest in exporting products or services to foreign markets.
Participants may be first-time exporters or companies that are currently exporting but are interested in expanding into new international markets.
Financial Assistance Available
Small businesses may apply for reimbursement of up to $500 for export-training that will result in the development of an export strategy or up to $7,500 for approved export-development activities, including:
- Participation in trade missions
- Exhibiting at trade shows or industry-specific events
- Translation of marketing materials
- Development of foreign language websites
- Gold Key or other business matchmaking services
- Company-specific international sales activities
- Testing and certification (such as CE marking) required to sell products in foreign markets
Eligibility
Eligible companies must fit the SBA definition of a small business, based on annual sales or number of employees, and:
- Have been in operation for at least one year
- Be operating profitably, based on U.S. operations
- Have an understanding of the costs associated with exporting
- Have a strategic plan for exporting (unless applying for an export-planning grant)
Activities must be pre-approved in order to be eligible for reimbursement. Companies may not apply for reimbursement for activities that have already taken place.
Eligible companies must also have products or services that are appropriate for the target market and must agree to participate in surveys and provide information on program outcomes.
How to Apply
Applications will be evaluated by a review committee on a competitive basis as they are received and proposals must be submitted by the applicant electronically. Applicants can submit an electronic copy of their application and proposal to Jackie Geiger, Minnesota Trade Office, at [email protected].
Activities planned through the end of the program year can be submitted for review at any time. However, early applications are encouraged, and applications involving travel should be submitted at least two months before planned activities in order for the MTO to have sufficient time to review and process applications.
For More Information
Contact Jackie Geiger at 651-259-7485.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Business Funding
DEED
Small Business Administration
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